Proper maintenance and operation of a dam and reservoir are critical to the continuing safety of a dam and reservoir and to public safety, life and property. Owners of regulated dams, as defined in Missouri Code of State Regulations 10 CSR 22-1.020 (13), are required to develop a maintenance program that includes an Emergency Action Plan (EAP), among other items. An EAP is a written document that identifies incidents that can lead to potential emergency conditions at a dam and the areas around it that can be affected. The plan specifies actions to be followed to minimize property damage, potential loss of infrastructure and water resource and potential loss of life during a dam safety emergency. The plan organizes emergency contact information and evacuation procedures into an official document and provides enhanced communications between dam owners and local emergency management officials.
Emergency Action Plans should contain the following information:
- Guidance for evaluating emergency situations occurring at a dam
- Notification charts and emergency contact information
- A list of residents, businesses and entities within the downstream inundation zone
- A list of resources available for responding to a dam emergency
- An inundation zone map (recommended, not required)
- Basic physical and geographical data for the regulated dam
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources staff will assist a dam owner in completing the plan. The department created a fill-in-able template with appropriate portions completed. Please contact the department's Dam and Reservoir Safety Program to obtain a partially completed template.
County emergency management directors may be able to provide critical emergency contact information and assistance in identifying structures located within the downstream inundation area. Once the plan is completed, it should be shared with your local emergency management director.
If you have questions or are interested in starting your EAP, contact the department's Dam and Reservoir Safety Program.